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Lovely senior life

[Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs

If you’re in your 70s, there’s a good chance you have a deep attachment to songs from the 1960s and 70s.

The music you listened to in your youth stays in your heart, and once you hear it, you can’t help but hum along.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of youth songs we’d love people in their 70s to hear.

We’ve chosen a variety of tracks, mainly from the 60s and 70s, so take your time listening as you look back on memories from those days.

Recommended for people in their 70s: Beloved nostalgic hits. A collection of youth songs (21–30)

The City of Love, SapporoIshihara Yūjirō

A song by Yujiro Ishihara that gently sings of a woman discovering her first love, set against the iconic scenery of Sapporo.

The depictions of Sapporo—such as the Clock Tower and rows of acacia trees—beautifully intertwine with a pure form of love, leaving listeners deeply moved.

Beloved by many since its release in May 1972, it has sold a total of about 650,000 copies.

The reason it has been cherished for so long likely lies in the lyrical world where memorable places and recollections of romance intersect so beautifully.

When you want to fondly look back on a place dear to your heart, why not slowly immerse yourself in those memories, accompanied by Ishihara’s soulful voice that resonates within?

A café in a student districtGaro

GARO – Gakuseigai no Kissaten (Official Audio)
A café in a student districtGaro

A heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories from my student days.

Wrapped in Garo’s gentle vocals, the days I spent with a former lover come vividly back to life.

Those youthful times of sipping coffee at a café and enjoying casual conversations—this song is filled with those sweet and bittersweet memories.

Released in June 1972, it became a massive hit, topping the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks the following year.

In 1980, it was also used in a commercial for “Gohan Desu yo!” and has been loved by people of all ages.

It’s a perfect song for when you want to bask in nostalgia or look back on moments with someone special.

[Recommended for those in their 70s] Beloved classics from the past: A collection of youth songs (31–40)

Ballad of the Rainbow and SnowTo wa e mo wa

Towa Tei & Moi “Ballad of Rainbow and Snow (’98)” Music Video
Ballad of the Rainbow and SnowTo wa e mo wa

Towa Teardrop is a folk song duo formed in 1968.

Their songs are still loved by many people today.

“Ballad of the Rainbow and Snow” is a piece released in 1971 and is one of the celebrated songs born in connection with the Sapporo Olympics.

Its deep emotion and beautiful melody vividly portray the winter scenery of Sapporo and the grand spirit of the Olympic Games.

The charm of this song lies in the hope and dreams woven into its lyrics, as well as a longing for new beginnings.

In particular, for older adults who spent their youth at that time, it will be received as a deeply moving message.

In any setting, we hope these songs will awaken a gentle sense of nostalgia while also inspiring a renewed sense of hope.

Only youAoi Teruhiko

Released in June 1976 as a song that conveys a bittersweet longing for a loved one, it topped the Oricon chart for six consecutive weeks.

Characterized by emotionally rich lyrics and melody, it beautifully portrays a vow of eternal love.

Teruhiko Aoi’s clear, translucent voice resonates deeply with listeners.

The vivid imagery—such as southern breezes and beaches wet with summer rain—evokes the changing seasons and leaves a strong impression.

This work became the biggest hit of Teruhiko Aoi’s career and led to his first appearance on that year’s Red and White Song Festival.

It’s a highly recommended track for moments when you want to look back on memories with someone special or listen to a moving ballad that seeps into the heart.

Memory PillowKosaka Kyoko

The song released by Kyoko Kosaka in 1975 became a massive hit, selling over 1.3 million copies.

Its lyrics, which delicately depict the feelings of a woman after a breakup, likely resonated with many people.

The song portrays how memories of a past lover resurface in ordinary moments.

There are scenes of singing a poem the lover liked and drinking alone, making it a track filled with poignant nostalgia and loneliness.

It’s a song that older listeners, too, may enjoy while reflecting on memories of their youth.

Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu

Pinky & The Killers’ “Koi no Kisetsu” (Season of Love) is a classic debut single from 1968 that has continued to be cherished by many across generations.

Tokiko Iwatani’s delicate, emotionally rich lyrics and Taku Izumi’s soothing melody blend beautifully.

In particular, the line inviting someone to share a morning coffee together evokes the sweet, bittersweet feelings of youthful love.

The song seems to cradle the memories and emotions we want to keep safely tucked in our hearts.

It embodies music’s warm, embracing power, making it a recommendation for all music lovers.

It’s especially moving to listen to when you’re alone, reminiscing about the past.

A Midsummer IncidentHirayama Miki

Miki Hirayama’s song “Manatsu no Dekigoto” conjures a sweet, bittersweet scene of a summer’s-end romance through its lyrics.

It delicately portrays emotions swaying between lovers’ faint hopes and reality, with the beauty and sorrow of parting standing out in particular.

Coupled with Hirayama’s distinctive voice and the melody, it is a work that leaves a deep impression on listeners.

For older audiences, it may evoke a nostalgic feeling, as if recalling a page from their youth.

And as a piece that captures the essence of the Japanese summer, it’s also perfect for quiet moments at the end of the season.